Reggie the Alligator: A Gator Tells His Story from Backyard to Big Time

It's not the end, it's a just a new beginning!

2007-05-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm behind bars the nice zookeepers are allowing me to make one phone call. They actually let me exchange my phone call for a blog posting so here it is.

I'm doing fine at the zoo, my confines are a little small but at least I know I'm close to doctors if I ever need them. The whole team that jumped on me put up a good fight and there wasn't much I could do. They were a courageous and quick thinking bunch.

I was really suprised that they came after me, I was really planning on waiting until June for the Irwins.

I just want to thank everyone for the support and the love. Please come and visit me at the zoo when you have a chance.

Don't worry about me I'll be fine but nothing will ever replace the beautiful Machado Lake and all of the great people of the South Bay.

Reggie The Alligator

And the survey says...

2007-05-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

The latest news is that the Irwin crew will be here between July 7th and July 10th. I hope your ready for this, it's going to be fun playing with the Aussies. A lot of you probably saw you practicing my escape tactics this weekend. Just like people practice emergency exits I practice escape tactics so that when the time comes I'll be prepared. There are few secrets to this lake that I know the wranglers aren't aware of.

Supposedly my team found a map of the LA Sewer system but they haven't found a way to post it online yet. I don't really need it since I have the sewer memorized already.

If you need some more background information on alligators in general you should check out the wikipedia site they have information on habitat, behavior, diet and all sorts of other stuff. It's perfect if you're looking to do a report about me or just curious about alligators in general.

Somebody sent this survey to my email and I told them I'd fill it out and post it on the site. Hopefully you get to know a little more about me.

Odd Facts about ME
DO YOU SNORE?:	Yes, but not as loud as the turtles.
LOVER OR A FIGHTER?:	Lover.
WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?:	Losing my Freedom
AS A KID, WERE YOU A LEGO BUILDER?:	Legos don't work well with my stubby fingers
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "REALITY TV"?:	I'm ready for my own show.
DO YOU CHEW ON YOUR STRAWS?:	Unfortunately I chew on other peoples straws that find their way in the lake.
WERE YOU A CUTE BABY?:	I've been told I was. Check out my profile pic and tell me what you think.
HOW IS THE SINGLE LIFE FOR YOU?:	I'm single but I have so many supporters that I never feel alone.
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR KEYBOARD?:	My blog team does all the typing, I just tell them what to write.
DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?:	I might sing an occasional note or two.
HAVE YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMPED?:	No, but I almost tried jumping off the observation deck into the lake.
ANY SECRET TALENTS?:	I can touch my snout with my tail.
WHAT'S YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT?:	The Everglades
HAVE YOU EATEN SUSHI?:	It's one of my most common snacks, I actually eat everything raw which I'd advise against for humans.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVIE "DONNIE DARKO"?:	No but I heard there was big bunny in it.
DO YOU GIVE A DARN ABOUT THE OZONE?:	Yes, I care a lot about the environment.
HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOTSIE POP?:	Zero, I swallow them whole. Usually only the sticks make it into the lake though.
CAN YOU SING THE ALPHABET BACKWARDS?:	If I'm reading I can.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON AN AIRPLANE?:	No, but if I'm ever caught maybe they'll take me on one to Florida.
ARE SPEEDO'S HOT?:	I'd probably look good in them but they'd need an extra hole for my tail.
WHAT'S YOUR STAND ON HUNTING?:	I hunt all the time but I strictly hunt with my legs, mouth, and tail. I don't really do it for fun, just to eat.
IS MARRIAGE IN YOUR FUTURE?:	It would be nice.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?:	Technically I don't have hands.
WHAT ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO?:	Gater Haters
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAID, "I LOVE YOU":	When I was taken from my family.
DO YOU CRY AT WEDDINGS?:	Never been.
HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?:	I don't eat eggs, I'm hoping I'll meet a girl and one day we can have some eggs of our own.
ARE BLONDES DUMB?:	No Comment.
WHAT TIME IS IT?:	2:43 pm
DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?:	Reg, Monster at Machado.
IS MCDONALD'S DISGUSTING?:	It's not bad once it marinates in the lake water for awhile.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE IN A CAR?:	When I got put in the lake.
DO YOU PREFER BATHS OR SHOWERS?:	I prefer lakes.
IS SANTA CLAUSE REAL?:	Of Course
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?:	Not really, I'm more afraid of the light because the haters are always watching me.
WHAT ARE YOU ADDICTED TO?:	Nightswimming in the Summertime
CRUNCHY OR CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER?:	Creamy, almost everything I eat is crunchy so it's a good change of pace.
HAVE YOU EVER RIDDEN IN AN AMBULANCE?:	No and I never hope to.
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR TEETH TODAY?:	Zero, I usually just swish some lake water in my mouth a couple times.
IS DRUG FREE THE WAY TO BE?:	Yes. I live an all natural life, except for the pollution in the lake and the air from the refinery across the street.
ARE YOU WEARING SOCKS?:	Nope.
HAVE YOU EVER HITCH HIKED?:	Nope but a lot of the animals like to ride on my back at night.
WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?:	I don't know I've never seen them.
WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?:	When I heard about Steve Irwin. I was looking forward to the challenge.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE?:	I love my life. I've learned so much about humans by the way the whole community has rallied around me!
WHOSE LIFE IS BETTER?:	Nobody. The only thing that could make my life better would be a girlfriend.
ARE YOU PSYCHIC?:	No, I'm better at remembering the past.
HAVE YOU READ "CATCHER IN THE RYE"?:	No but I've seen catchers in the lake and they all failed.
DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS?:	I like to slap my tail on the water while the birds sing.
CAN YOU SKATEBOARD?:	If a bulldog can do it I'm sure I can too.
DO YOU LIKE CAMPING?:	I don't consider what I do camping, where I live is like Gator Heaven.
DO U SNORT WHEN U LAUGH?:	Of course, I snort just breathing too.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?:	Yes, Haven't you seen my disappearing trick
IS A DOG A MAN'S BEST FRIEND?:	Don't think so. Gators are much more lovable!!
CAN YOU DO THE MOONWALK?:	I can do it but it doesn't look the same.
DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU HAVE A MYSPACE?:	I don't know I haven't contacted her since I was kid.
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?:	European Starling
DO YOU WEAR NAILPOLISH?:	No.
DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?:	No.
WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING TV COMMERCIAL?:	I don't really watch T.V.
DO YOU SHOP AT AMERICAN EAGLE?:	No
FAVORITE BAND AT THE MOMENT?:	Clifton Chenier

As always keep showing up at the lake and showing support with all your Gator Gear, supposedly some new designs are coming real soon.

I also want to give some love to Bob Barker, before I was released I used to watch the Price is Right through the sliding glass window. He was a good guy and remember to spay and neuter your pets.

Thanks for the love!!

Reggie the Alligator

Night Swimming and Some Excellent Photos

2007-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

As many have you have heard or seen I was real active this weekend, swimming all over the lake. If you want to catch me (I mean see me) you should come in the evening if possible. I really like night swimming when the air is cooling down and the sun is setting, it reminds me how good it feels to be free.

On Saturday a big white egret kept bothering me while I was on my swim. I don't know what it's problem was, it kept swimming over my head and trying to tap me with its feet. I've seen it around the lake before so it should know that I'm just relaxing.

Here's some good stuff, I was waiting to see some good pictures of myself but nobody ever sends me any and the news doesn't really take any good ones so I was about to give up when a nice friend of mine from my Myspace page sent me a message saying she got a couple of good pics of me. My blog team checked her site out and brought the pics for me to see and WOW!! they are excellent. It's been a long time since I looked in the mirror so these are really nice for me. Anyways, everyone should check out the pictures, they are located in the blog section of her page. Here's the link: Photo's of Me . Let her know what you think, then let me know if you think I'm better looking than you thought. Let me know how you think I compare to my baby photo right here:

I overheard some saying that Irwins team should be here in July, anyone know if this is true? If they are coming in July I still have time to relax. If you've heard anything about this shoot me an email, I'd appreciate it.

That's it for now... Remember to visit my Myspace Page, and check out Reggie Gear!!!

Reggie the Alligator

Free Tickets Anyone?

2007-05-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

The newest rumor is that the City is trying to get Steve Irwin's crew out here from Australia. As soon as some free airplane tickets and free cargo space for their equipment appear they will be on their way to the lake. I hope they know what they are getting into to. By the way, what equipment are they bringing? Steve Irwin would probably come and get me with his bare hands.

I feel like I'm part of a long episode of American Gladiators (my owners used to play it on TV for me) and I'm the gladiator. Each contestant is battling through a series of events to try and become the champion Gator Gladiator. So far none of them have made it past the first round. The thing is, nobody has really even come close to catching me. They said that before they had me swim through their net, which is somewhat true but sort of deceiving. I may have come in contact with their net but I was just playing with them.

When they finally get their free ticket out here I'll be ready to rumble. I hope that they plan their attact well so that neither of us gets hurt. I'll let you know that it will be impossible to sneak up on me, all the animals at the park have formed a coalition and we are all looking out for each other.

Someone contacted me about this cool Reggie inflatable doll (shown above), If you are interested it is only $10 plus S&H. If you're interested in them contact Lisa Wong at baumcochat@aol.com or Tel: 818-709-1093. Don't forget Official Reggie Merchandise can be found on my site!

This week I'm going to be popping my head out a little more. The days have been so nice and I can't think of any good reason to stay hidden. If you come out to the park you'll have a good chance of seeing me this weekend for sure. I need as much love as I can get before the gater haters get here.

Reggie The Alligator

Now that I've Created a Monster

2007-05-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Now that I've created a monster by showing up again what am I supposed to do?

Right now I'm focusing a lot of my energy on trying to predict what the city will throw at me. I've heard that they are talking to Steve Irwin's people in Australia and I'm pretty sure they are talking to my Gatorland buddies as well. This article that my team found from a newspaper in Australia actually says that Irwin's crew is still going to attempt to catch me when the time is right.

I hope whoever they bring has more of a clue than the gator haters that they threw at me last time. I have been replaying all of the failed attempts in my head, studying the mental film and preparing myself for whatever is next. One thing is for sure, I will never give up, if they want me it will be a fight. Oh and by the way, could you reload the bait traps, those were always easy dinners.

I'd like to say that I miss Steve Irwin, he was a good man and I was looking forward to a good fight with him. I'm sure he's still wrestling gators wherever he is. He was always kind when talking about gators and crocs and he always worked hard to make us have good lives. He will be missed.

Everybody has been emailing me, asking what I've been up to. To be honest, I was just relaxing. The weather has been strange, it was really cold this year and I struggled a little with that. I found a couple warm places to hide out and now it's finally warm again. I'm probably one of most adaptable Gators out there right now.

Even though I wasn't seen for awhile all of the people out there were great. I was always getting a steady stream of visitors, lots of families and people on lunch break. Kids, remember not to get too close to the water though, I could mistake you for a goose if I'm really hungry.

Last but not least, how about them Gators? The Florida Gators won the college football and basketball national titles!!! Go Gators!!

Til next time, enjoy some news articles from around the world.
Reggie the Alligator

Pasadena (I'm not a Caiman, sorry)
Great Britain
Kansas City
Australia
South Florida - South Florida (Recaps some old trash Talk between Gatorland and T-Bone)

Remember to show off your Gator gear if you have it or get some if you don't at the Official Reggie the Alligator Merchandise Store!!

It's been a long time!!

2007-04-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I last showed up here! Many of you thought I was dead but I was just hiding out. All of the press attention and all of the hunters coming after me really stressed me out.

The whole time I was just being real careful about when to swim and when to hunt for food, as you've seen on TV I'm definitely a lot bigger and healthier than before.

I'll be sure to post some more details on what I've been doing in the weeks to come. I'd like to thank all of my friends and fans for the support, I was feeling your love the whole time! The people of Harbor City and surrounding areas have been great, thanks for all the delicious food. Whoever dropped off that batch of Carnitas a few weeks ago, please do that again!

I'm sure that the city will hire hunters to come after me again so it will be Open Season for me once again. I hope they get some experienced hunters, because I'm smarter and bigger than before.

If you have any pictures of me or video of me in lake send them over to my email so everyone can see them! My email is savereggie@gmail.com.

If you'd like to read more about my reappearance click on these links below. Remember this is the headquarters for all of the latest Reggie News:

Daily Breeze
CBS 2 News
LA Observed

Reggie The Alligator.

P.S. - Remember that you can still show some love for me with your Reggie Gear. If you've already got it wear it out to Machado Lake!!!

Bathing in the Sun

2006-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

CBS news (read article here) reported last night that a Los Angeles County employee saw me lying out on the grass near the golf course. It is true that I was lying out there sunbathing on nice days but I always made sure that nobody would see me. If anybody knows who this was let me know so I can email them. I wonder if they knew I was out there because of the leak in my camp. If anyone knows who saw me have them email me at savereggie@gmail.com so we can talk about this.

What else is up right now? Not much, I’m just trying to stay with this crazy irregular schedule so that nobody can figure me out. It’s been really tough, it’s messing with my sleep patterns, my appetite, and my relaxation time. Hopefully once the wranglers are here I can scope them out and figure out their schedule and base mine off of theirs. Most people who aren’t used to being up all night are not going to change their schedules for a long period of time so I really won’t have to worry about any odd hour activities.

Let’s see what happens this weekend. I predict big things are coming soon, I can smell them.

The Trap

2006-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

As you have probably all heard by now the Daily Breeze reported today that a trap has been located in the lake. The trap is not armed right now because they are trying to condition me to become comfortable with the free food that it offers.

I’m a smarter gator than that. In order for me to start taking the bait they are going to have to get rid of all the other food sources in this lake. They say that raw chicken is one my favorite food but they are quite wrong. The long time readers probably remember that my favorite meal would be a carne asada burrito. If they were to put one of those in the trap then I might be tempted to get in. We’ll see how fast they figure this out.

Like I stated in my report yesterday, I knew this was coming. Activity around the lake has been extremely high lately.

By the way, whoever threw the leftover pork chops into the lake last night I owe you one. Those were great; if I could cook I’d ask you for the recipe.

No more updates for now but be sure to let me know if you hear anything about traps or wranglers or anything else be sure to let me know.

Looking Down

2006-04-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

When I first came to the lake I was so naïve. I thought all humans were good and that everybody would love a friendly neighborhood gator. For the most part I was right, people were giving me love, feeding me their dogs, whole chickens, burritos, and all other kinds of things. They were publishing my story and spreading my mission all over the world. I felt like all humans could be trusted.

Slowly this started to change, a fence was erected around the lake, multiple wranglers were called in to catch me and take me to jail (the zoo), and they caught little Reggie not to far from where the lake. My mind was still sort of split since so many people were still being good to me. Families were coming out in bunches to see me, workers were visiting me on their lunch break, and whole organizations like employees of the local refineries were giving me support.

Finally, as I reported on Sunday night my trust was broken. Actually not only was my trust broken but my soul was broken. One of my closest friends turned their back on me and it has devastated me. I still don’t know who it is but I’m working it out. I have the one member of my team that I completely trust setting up some nice little traps to catch the leak. It’s ironic how the tables turn and the gator that is supposed to be wrangled is now the one doing the wrangling.

I’ve spotted some plain closed authorities conducting surveillance on some of my favorite feeding spots so I’ve resorted to my contingency plan and I’m eating at spots that nobody on my team knows about. I’ve change my lifestyle up a bit, I’m swimming and feeding at irregular times. This is very hard on my system since I’m not getting sleep at the same time everyday.

This will be over soon. As soon as I can figure out who the leak is I can get ready for the wranglers that will be here soon. If anyone has advice let me know but mostly right now I just need your support.

Bend But Never Break

2006-04-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors around lake lately. Supposedly Steve Irwin is coming to get me in the next week or two. I think he is trying to sneak attack me but the citizens of Harbor City are keeping me aware of all that is going on around the lake.

Obviously it is impossible for me to attend policy meetings and workout deals with the people in charge of the lake but I have some dedicated supporters that provide me with all of the details I need. This experience has really shown me how great people can be when they have a cause to fight for.

People can also be evil when they feel that they can get ahead faster. I bring this up because someone has infiltrated my inner circle and is leaking information to the powers that be. Initially I kept my inner circle very, very, small only meeting one person and providing them with my information and journal entries. Soon I began trusting others due to the large outpouring of support and overall good vibe I was getting from everyone. Slowly my circle grew to two people, then three, until it finally reached its peak at four.

Ever since my inner circle grew to four strange things have been happening. For example every time I provide the crew with some important confidential information I find out that my potential wranglers have the same information. This is highly secretive information I am talking about like where I like to sleep, where I eat, when I’m active, and who is in the inner circle.

I’m scared that this information that is slowly being leaked could result in me being captured rather quickly. If a capable wrangler is given this information it is only a matter of time before I’m discovered, caught off guard, and taken to the LA Zoo with a rubber band around my snout.

So for now I’m just trying to figure out who the leak is. I’ve narrowed it down to one of three so I’ve excluded one member so far.

It seems that humans and gators have more in common that we all thought. We all have family struggles, we all fight for our freedom whether it’s physical, financial, or even mental, and we all reach those times in our lives where it is up to us as individuals to choose whether we give up or keep fighting. For now I’m still fighting but I need your support. Keep those emails coming (savereggie@gmail.com) because they feed me strength.

Don’t worry about the leak; I will get to the bottom of it sooner than later. I’ll let you know what happens. One more thing we have in common is that once we have one problem more just keep coming. Of course I have my priorities and number one is staying in the Lake with all my people.

Haiku: Amphibian Poet; Words smooth like calm lake surface; The end is not near

2006-04-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

On my hibernation:

Awake from long nap

Wranglers return to the lake

Support feeds my heart

On the rainy season:

Home's where your heart is

Beautiful Machado Lake

Quiet before storm

On my owner:

Freedom for gator

Opposite for family

Right ways can be wrong

Creating Haiku poetry was one of the main things I did while reflecting during my hibernation. I hope you enjoyed these poems. Let me know by emailing me at savereggie@gmail.com.

With the weather getting warmer (except for today of course) I am getting ready for the long fight that I know is coming in the summer. I feel like a boxer in those last few days before they go into the ring, I'm getting my diet right, practicing my evasive manuevers, and working on my stamina and breath control. I know the city is going to throw everything they can muster at me this round and I'm going to be ready.

The overwhelming majority of the city would like me to stay but they still think I'm dangerous and want me out. I AM NOT A CRIMINAL!! and I am not leaving easily.

I guess I'm in a little bit of a revolutionary mode right now, I've been hearing all the Harbor College kids getting excited over politics and it started to get me excited as well. Of course I'm only involved in whatever happens at my home (the lake).

Hopefully all of your support and love will eventually change the city's mind and they will let me stay here so that we can all enjoy the lake together. Isn't nature supposed to have animals in it?

Florida Gators II

2006-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I heard some news last night that one of the people suspected to be my owner was sentenced to a few years probation and some time cleaning the freeway. I won't say if this was one of my owners or not but it's good that they didn't get punished too much. They did draw a lot of attention to Machado Lake and now I hear visitors talking about cleaning it up and making it an attraction for all of the South Bay. I'm also grateful for being released into the lake because I love being free. Swimming in a backyard pool does not compare to the luxury of Machado Lake.

Now to talk about the UCLA - Florida Basketball game some more. I've received some email from multiple Gator Haters who are upset at me for supporting Florida instead of the local team. I would have to say that I love local schools (Harbor College is my favorite) but my friends and family are all from Florida and Louisiana. A lot of my aunts and uncles live in Florida and are diehard Gator fans plus why wouldn't I love a school whose mascot is the Gator? If UCLA was in the finals playing any other team I would have been rooting for them but I always have to go with the Gators. I hope all of my supporters can understand my reasons because I really need all of you to support me. I don't really watch sports anyways, I just hear the news from my visitors.

Remember I'm always looking for people to send in pictures of the lake, or pictures of Reggie Gear that you have (I will blur out faces before putting them in my blog). Just email me at savereggie@gmail.com.

Rain, Lots of Rain

2006-04-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to love the rain, last night was the best nights sleep since my hibernation ended. The rain is so relaxing and it makes everything in the lake happy. The fish love it and swim around more, the birds love it because the worms come out of the ground and they can eat them, and I love it not just because it helps me sleep but because it keeps the wranglers away.

Before last year I never really liked the rain. When I was in my little cage the rain usually meant I would be alone and I wasn't used to being alone since I was domesticated at the time. Now I'm more of a wild man, a true survivor, who appreciates all of what nature has to offer me. This whole experience has made me into a more complete gator, more humble, more grateful, and more aware of the world as a whole. When you live in a backyard your perspective is really distorted. You think that the whole world is just getting fed by your owner and sleeping. Now I know there is so much more, there are so many great people around and there is so much water to swim in. Being free is great.

I hope it keeps raining for awhile. You can keep the thunder and lighting though, I still haven't grown to enjoy that.

Thanks for all the great emails and keep them coming. All of my contact information is on the right side of the page.

Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to a big fan, George Marshmallow.

Gators are the Champions!

2006-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today is a happy day for because last night the Florida Gators became the college basketball national champions. I didn't have the chance to watch the game since I'm in the lake but I did hear early this morning that my family destroyed UCLA.

I'm sad that UCLA had to lose but I can never be too sad when anytype of Gator is getting some positive attention. It means a lot to me that a school cares enough about my species to actually name themselves the Gators.

Hopefully I can repeat the performance of the basketball team by not losing to any of the wranglers that I'm sure are going to be coming my way. I'm hoping that they don't send to many but I'm ready for whatever they throw at me. I wish the city would just build a more beautiful fence around the lake and just let me live here. This lake is beautiful and I think that I could help promote it and draw more people to this part of town. Hopefully someone powerful out there agrees with me.

During the past few months I haven't heard many rumors about who is supposed to come catch me so I don't know what I have to look forward to in the near future. Some locals have been giving me scouting reports on the Crocodile Hunter so at least I'll be ready for him if he shows up.

Life at the lake is nice and relaxed right now and this is just how I like it. I'm hoping this lasts for a while so that I can have a chance to bond with the community again. I'm sure when it warms up people will start visiting me more and I'll try to give them a show if it's possible.

That's all for now.
Reggie the Alligator

I'm Back: Bigger and Badder than Ever!!

2006-04-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

I’m back and I feel stronger than ever! It has been a long tough winter (was it colder this year or was that just me?) but I feel like I got some well needed rest. I had a lot of time to reflect on last year and I finally got a chance to let my mind settle down. So many things happened last year so quickly that I never really got the chance to digest them but now I truly understand how big and important my situation and adventure was. I still feel lucky to have avoided being captured and to still be in this beautiful place.

This year I’m going to fight for freedom even more than last year, I’ve been going over the moves that I made last year over and over in my head and I’ve been analyzing the moves of the trappers and I’ve developed some new strategies to avoid being captured. I used the last week to find some new hiding spots that are almost inaccessible to humans and I’ve set up some spots to eat without being disturbed.

So I’ve been receiving many emails asking me when I was going to come out of hibernation. I actually have been in and out of it for awhile now but everytime it started to warm up it got really cold again. I finally woke up completely last week but I didn’t announce it because I needed some time alone to get back into my peak physical condition. I’ve been swimming around the lake real late at night and I’ve been trying to pack on some weight in case I have to get through a few days without food when they try to catch me again. Besides that I had a really nice, long nap that was incredibly relaxing and reinvigorating. I’d like to say thank you to all the people of Harbor City and the South Bay (and wherever else they came from) who continued to support me throughout my hibernation. I did see many families and people looking for me at the lake and I appreciate it. I’ll need your support even more when the wranglers start appearing again.

I’m ready for any wrangler they can throw at me right now. The big rumor is that the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin is going to come catch me. Everyone saw him when he showed up before but of course he was too scared to step into the lake. He was just using me and Machado Lake to get some media coverage. I think it was a publicity stunt. We’ll see if he really comes back.

I know there are probably a lot of UCLA fans out there but I’m rooting for the Florida Gators. It’s not that I don’t like UCLA (I always love the locals) but whenever there is a Gator in the news doing something positive for our group I have to support them. The Gator mascot is the highest profile alligator right now and he is doing a good job of promoting us. So tonight when you watch the game look out for my buddy the Gator running around the court and energizing the crowd. GO GATORS!!!

I’ll be giving more updates from now on and I’ll be talking about my hibernation some more until the wranglers start coming out again.

Lastly, thanks to me team for redesigning the website I think it looks nice. Email me a savereggie.gmail.com and let me know what you think.

It’s good to be back!!!

Hibernation

2005-10-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Sorry I haven't been posting for awhile but it has been really cold and I am slowing down a bit. I'm going to have to stop writing until it warms up. What I'm saying is that I'm going to be taking a break for awhile. If you would like me to update you on when I come out of hibernation sign up for my newsletter (on the side of the page). Other than that I would like to thank everyone for their support. I couldn't have made it this far without you. Through all the tough times when I thought the wranglers almost had me the love from all of you helped me push through.

Remember you can continue to send me emails at savereggie@gmail.com and you can still purchase merchandise at my online store.

Reggie

See it when you believe it!

2005-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Like I said in my previous post, I'll believe it when I see it. T-Bone has decided to stay a little longer due to the rain and rising lake levels. This guy can't make up his mind and it is driving me crazy. At least I had an idea that he was going to stay. I knew it was going to rain this week (animals are in touch with nature) and I knew that would give him some confidence. He never really got near me on Monday night but we'll see what happens today (nothing as of yet). I don't think he'll catch me, honestly I don't think he has found my crawl like he said.

Here's a recap for any new readers:

I was enjoying my life in San Pedro, CA when my owner dropped me into Machado Lake. I survived off a variety of different foods (fish, dogs, ducks, etc.) while adapting to life in the wild. Somebody spotted me and the media went crazy. It was like Machado Lake became the center of the universe for the a few short days. Soon an Alligator wrangler from Colorado was called in to catch me. He failed. A Florida wrangler was called in. He failed. He came back for more. He failed again. An evacuee from New Orleans named after one of my favorite foods (T-Bone) steak then tried to catch me. He failed too. Now I'm here in the lake waiting for my next adventure. I'm trying to make it a few more weeks into my psuedohibernation phase so that the LA Zoo Zookeepers finally give up until next year as well.

My journey has taught me so much about myself and human nature. I've learned that humans are unpredictable, they love to love but they also love to hate. I've learned that people in the south bay and especially in Harbor City are extremely kind and generous and extremely willing to accept an ugly beast like myself as one of their own.

I'm still looking for a guest columnist if anyone is interested.

Reggie

Letter from Jay Young of Colorado

2005-10-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

A long time ago I invited all of the wranglers, zoo keepers, and city officials to send me a letter and I'll put it in my blog. I don't know if Jay Young of Colorado knew about that but he emailed me anyways. His email was very informative and I appreciated it very much. There are some scary parts about the zoo and some good news about possible future homes. He sounds like he is on my side, I always thought he was good guy inside. I'm going to put the email below but let me say that I do not have a way (as of right now) to verify that it really came from "the" Jay Young but it seems to me like something he would write. Jay if this is really you thanks for the fun while it lasted, I loved evading you the most and I respected you because I knew that you would treat me humanely. Enjoy:

"Well, Reggie, I was at the LA Zoo on my last trip to California, as I had promised to return free of charge to catch you, but the LA Zoo and T-Bone said they had it under control. Hah! So we went to the zoo instead. I wouldn't say the habitat is necessarily big enough for a third gator, especially if Methusalah is a male, since he will probably try to kill you, that's what larger male gators do to smaller males introduced to their pond. You may be ok, besides missing one eye, his teeth aren't in great shape and really he isn't either (a little chubby in the gut, needs a traedmill or something). The good news is, you'll be in quarantine in much smaller quarters for 90 days before you find out. The better news, I also looked in to a location for a gator and caiman rescue since there is no place for unwanted gators in CA. Found a good one too. We can house gators such as yourself as well as overgrown pythons, monitor lizards, turtles, tortoises, etc. and teach the public to be more responsible in their decisions to buy exotic pets. Since my free help has been denied, I don't believe I'll be seeing you at the lake anytime soon. So I'll be working on a home for you in case you are ever caught, but give those zoo experts a good run for their money. I'm sitting back wtih everyone else laughing for a while. Like T-Bone was going to catch you, right. What a joke, I met him at the lake, and that's all I can say. At least I can say I only chased you for 2 days and would've had you if they would've been patient enough to wait for the right net. Oh well, I kinda like to see you proving what I told them from the start, It's just shy of impossible. Until later
Jay Young "

If anyone else would like to write a guest column in my blog (from your own point of view) email me and I'll see if I can print it. Try to keep it short though.

T-Bone is gone and more on my Cell

2005-10-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

So the Daily Breezereported today that T-Bone is calling it quits on Sunday. He thinks that I'm going to go into a semi-hibernation state and it will be impossible to catch me. A lot of things went wrong for the wrangler in this latest attempt, he is still waiting for the part to his hovercraft. Of course I'm still on high alert for two reasons, 1.) I'll believe T-Bone is giving up when he actually leaves and 2.) the LA Zoo guys are still trying to catch me. Thanks for all of the support and thanks for helping me evade all of these crazy wranglers.

Now onto the zoo. After posting the picture of my possible cell at the LA Zoo I received a large outpouring of support and I am grateful for that. However one email from someone who knows the happenings at the zoo emailed me as well. They said that they think I will like the enclosure because it is actually a lot bigger than the photograph. There is an island with some vegetation in the middle of the small pond. Methuselah, the gator that is there, seems like a good gator, it has only one eye because of some type of encounter with a human. The email told me that they don't want that to happen to me so it might be good for me to go to the zoo.

I guess I have to agree on some points, if I do anything wrong I could get killed by the animal police. My life is very difficult because I have to balance a lot of different things like entertainment, human safety, and my freedom. The zoo would provide me with a reliable safe home and a constant food source plus there would be a lot less stress in my life. However, no small pond could compare to the beauty of Machado Lake and all of the wonderful people who come out to support me.

The Daily Breeze also reported that the 710 Grill in San Pedro is offering a Reggie Burger for $6.95. This burger actually contains alligator from New Orleans. To me one of my brothers lives is worth more than $6.95. I don't think this is right, I don't mind people capitlizing off of me but I feel like they would actually make burgers out of me if they could. They say it tastes like chicken so why not just use chicken.

Speaking of food, an urban entertainment blog did a profile on me and let me talk about some of my favorite things. Check that out at Gridskipper. They did a nice job with the article and I never once felt like they treated me as a second class citizen.

Until next time.
Reggie

Could this be my new cell?

2005-10-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

A nice reader of my blog sent me some good links this week. One of the links he sent over to me was link that had a picture of the alligator cage at the LA Zoo. I can only post a link because the photo is copywritten (someone might go snap some pics for me though) but check it out here. I really hope that is not where they will put me, it looks like a cement jail cell for alligators. The other gator is Methuselah, I wish I could talk to that Gator and found out how life in the zoo is. In a way I was almost looking forward to getting caught and being sent over to the zoo. I thought it would make for an easier life with less anxiety, and I sort of thought I would get spoiled a lot even though I knew the habitat was not the best. However after seeing the conditions of the alligator habitat at the zoo my mind has changed. This has inspired me even more to be free.

I'm going to have my team contact the zoo and see if there is a way that people can donate money directly to the alligator habitat, so stay tuned.

By the way, T-Bone is still waiting for the part to his boat. Their window of opportunity to catch me is shrinking so I really don't understand what they are doing.

Sorry that this posting does not have a very positive vibe to it but the photo of the zoo really got me scared.

Reggie

Is it the 12th round yet?

2005-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yes I am still here. Still fighting. Still struggling for my freedom. Still trying to make people famous for doing nothing.

I haven't given up and I will not give up.

This epic struggle of man vs me has shown me a side of myself that I never knew existed. I am strong and my inner strenght is getting stronger. When I was tossed into the lake I was scared and I expected not to survive but a few months later I'm still here prospering in a beautiful lake surrounded by a wonderful community. I am really proud of myself for how much I have grown during this tough time. It amazes me how well I have adapted to life in the wild. I can hunt for food, I can evade wranglers, and I can build my own home. My owners probably didn't know that they had such a strong gator.

T-Bone is saying that this is the last chance for them to catch me for the winter. To me this means that if I can conjure enough inner strength to make it through the next few weeks that I will be home free until it warms up a little. This is the time that I need the most support. It is getting cold and I am slowing down and it happens to be right at their final push (so they say). I'm hoping that it stays warm long enough to avoid their last attempt then it cools off so I can take a long nap in the winter.

Just because I think this may be their final attempt I will still remain alert. I'm not letting them distract me by telling me one thing and doing something different. I'm suprised that T-Bone admitted that they may not catch me until next year. Does this mean he will have to move from his RV? I've heard that he's very comfortable in there. Somebody needs to tell him to start posing for more pictures with Reggie supporters too.

Maybe T-Bone doesn't plan on catching me, I remember some comments he made saying that they should let me stay. I hope that is true.

Reggie

Calm before the storm?

2005-10-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Could this be the calm before the storm? T-Bone is saying that he doesn't expect to seee much of me in the fall and the winter. Does this mean he is not going to try and catch me? Everyone knows that I'm going to slow down in the colder months but as long as I keep my secret warm spots in the lake to myself I'll be OK. No matter how cold it gets I will still be able to put up a good fight when approached.

This was the quietest weekend I have had in a really long time. Not a lot of supporters came out to see me, no news media, and T-Bone was just hanging out. It was nice but I do miss all the good people of the South Bay throwing me delicious treats. I wouldn't even mind if they brought back Gatorland because they were leaving 20 raw chickens out at time when they were trying to catch me.

Speaking of Gatorland somebody sent me a link to their webpage. The Save Reggie team checked it out and said that they have a pretty cool Gator Cam that allows you to watch live gators in their park. Check it out here: www.Gatorland.com (click on funzone).

I'm assuming it's going to stay slow around here until T-Bone gets his part. People have been emailing me and agreeing that they think he is stalling too. I'm going to remain alert though because this guy is crazy and he might be have some strange plan in the works.

Thanks for all the support.
Reggie

Missing Parts & Being Lazy

2005-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

So far this weekend has been a good one for me. T-Bone hasn't been too active, I guess it's because he is waiting for a boat part still.

One of my readers told me that he was chowing down in San Pedro with Janice Hahn the other day. Maybe he is working on his political career. Imagine that, what if trying to catch me results in Jay Young becoming a TV star and T-Bone becoming a politician. Honestly, I don't think that will happen. Like I said before I think this guy doesn't want to catch me because he is getting taken care right now. As soon as I'm gone he will have another 15 minutes of fame then he will be gone too.

It has been getting really cold at night lately and I've been feeling a little lethargic. I know that if these wranglers get around me the natural fight or flight instincts will kick in. I just have to be careful not to take a nap at the wrong time. I know some warm parts of the lake and I haven't been using them much because I don't want to reveal them but I might starting utilizing them a bit more right now.

I don't want anyone out there to worry about me, overall I'm doing fine. I have lots of food and many good shelters. Only my patience is wearing thin. Maybe T-Bone is trying to lure me to sleep. He said the other day that he wan't me to get used to his smell, that is something that I can't get used to. Is there a shower in that RV that he's living in? I'm never going to get used to this guy being at the lake. When I was first put in the lake I had it all to myself, nobody would swim in it or float around in a boat. It was just for me and the other animals. This is how a nature preserve should be. Somebody recommended that they take me to the Madrona Marsh in Torrance but I've heard that it doesn't have water year round so I don't think that that would work out too well.

Thanks for all the support. Keep sending those emails to savereggie@gmail.com and don't forget to check out my new products in my online store. I just added a "T-Bone=Gator Bait, Don't feed human food to gators" T-Shirt the other day. I also take requests for sayings on different products (like a "Gators don't kill people" ringer T).

Let's keep spreading the word!!!
Reggie

Pythons vs. Gator

2005-10-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been emailing me about the strange thing that happened down in the Florida everglades the other day. I guess a 13 ft long python tried to eat a full grown alligator and the python ended up exploding. This link even has a photo Yahoo News. If you click on the link you can see that this is a lose-lose proposition so I recommend against placing any pythons in Machado Lake. Hopefully the city won't get any ideas.

I think the media is trying to lay low again so that they don't tip me off to T-Bone's new plans. I've heard through the grapevine that he is trying to get a new boat that can go over vegetation because he thinks that's where I spend most of my time. T-Bone has really been actively pursuing me lately he has just been hanging out. I think that he thinks that Machado Lake is his new bayou. I wonder if when we look back on this in a few months or years we will see that T-Bone just used the city for a free vacation. To me that would be kind of funny. That would make him more of a harmful pest than me.

Thanks for all the great letters about my favorite baby photo. I wanted to share that one with you all on a great day like Weds.

I'm hoping that all the wranglers take a three day weekend and let me relax a little again. This whole adventure has been an emotional rollercoaster and I can use some TLC time. I want to say thanks to the guy who sent over two whole raw chickens, they were tasty. This weekend I just want to sit back, watch the birds, and take some good long naps, and a few quick swims. I'm glad that I live in the water because it has been so hot and dry lately. I do prefer warm weather over cold but this has been ridiculous.

Reggie

10,000 Visitors, Food Critics, and more Reptile Experts

2005-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening today so I have a lot to update.

First of all it is time to celebrate the 10,000 visitor to my blog. In honor of the 10,000 visit I'm posting my favorite baby photo of all time (see below). It shows me when I'm about 4 ft long and I'm acting mighty ferocious with a beautiful piece of raw meat in my mouth. I think it's quite impressive how I can have a large piece of food in my teeth and still smile. Thanks to all the supporters who haven't given up hope. Let's keep spreading the word!

Now to the real news, last night my sources revealed to me that someone else was going to come out and try catching me. I thought it was going to be the crocodile hunter or Jeff Corwin or something but the real scoop is that the LA Zoo has assigned some of its reptile experts to my case.

I guess they are going to team up with T-Bone now that he has supposedly found my "crawl". Did you see how Councilwoman Hahn described my house - a "depression in the plants where the alligator crawls in and out every day." To me it is much more than that, in my mind I live in a wonderful natural environment. My house isn't all about looks rather it is about comfort and a sense of family. My "crawl" is not my house, the whole park (and the whole city) is my home and everyone (besides wranglers) are part of my family.

Anyways, I guess these new reptile experts (weren't the other people experts too?) think they are going to get me. Combining them with T-Bone has me thinking that the city operates under the "two wrongs make a right" or the "two negatives equals a positive" philosophy. Here is an article from the San Diego Union. I kind of laid low today because I didn't know what to expect from these guys. I was really wanting to post a celebratory 10,000 visitor post this morning but I knew that for my survival I'd better wait until I knew the coast was clear.

Speaking of philosophy, I have been getting all kinds of questions from different folks asking me about everything from my love life (single), my political views (none), and my religion (no comment) but nobody has asked me about my philosophy on life. To be honest I can't explain what my philosophy is I sort of just deal with whatever each day delivers to me.

Also I feel honored that one of my favorite writers did an article about me in the LA Weekly. His name is Jonathan Gold and he usually writes about food (that's why I like him) but this time he took some time out to write about me. Thanks Mr. Gold, I'm glad that you didn't write about me in a food article (please don't eat alligator, I heard you can buy the meat at Hawaii Market in San Gabriel). The article talks about the Lake and the poor condition that it is in. I agree the lake is pretty dirty but Gators are known for having strong immune systems and I'm doing fine. Hopefully (I stated this before) I can help bring some attention to the cleanup of this lake and eventually to others in the LA area.

Keep the great emails coming to savereggie@gmail.com. Let's take this page to 20,000 visitors. Thanks for all the support.

Now remember you can get the Original Reggie gear at my Online Store. I also do custom sayings on any of the products if you are interested. Below is one of the most popular products lately:

Reggie

The Scientists Agree: Leave Me Alone

2005-10-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Somebody pointed me to this LA Times Article that talks about why I should stay in a lake. A local naturalist says that I can actually help get rid of invasive species by eating them. I believe this is true because my diet has consisted of many animals that I don't believe are native to CA.

It was interesting to me that the Times wrote an article about this because yesterday I gave an email interview to Penninusla High and I said many of the same things. The City should leave me alone and utilized me as a benefit. I am good for the environment, the local economy, and the overall morale of the city.

Enough of that, what's going on at the lake? Not much really, T-Bone is here and there trying to sneak around. He's starting to make me hungry. We are both sort of laying low right now, we're both waiting for the other one to make the first move and to ultimately make the first mistake. I don't know if I would call this a battle of the brains but it kind of like some sort of primitive chess match.

That's about it for today. I'll update if anything new happens today.

Reggie

Changing Old Habits

2005-10-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Since my last post I've heard a lot of folks at the lake talking about T-Bone and how he has me all figured out. Because of this I've started changing a lot of my habits. I'm not really changing anything major right now because I don't think I can withstand the anxiety that wholesale changes would cause. I'm working on changing little things here and there so that I can throw him for a loop. I'm changing the time I eat and swim, the location of my meals and I take a new route to my "crawl" everynight so that hopefully I can lose T-Bone on my way there. He thinks that all Gators are the same and they we have simple minds, I'm out to prove him wrong. Many Gators are set in their ways but that is because they have no choice or they just don't care. When they are fighting for their lives they can adapt quickly. The part I hate about this is that I am being kept from getting comfortable. Everytime I get some sort of pattern going I have to change it because another wrangler is out to get me. It would be nice to get a month or two off especially heading into the winter.

It seems that the number of people who want me caught is increasing fast at this point. I get the feeling that there are just as many haters at the lake as there are supporters. I've been told that my Cyber-support is strong and that I have many friends all over the U.S.

The Daily Breeze put an article about my blog and my online store in today's paper. They talk about someone who "channels" me, well this is not exactly true. As I explained in an earlier post I have a team that inputs my entries into the computer for me since I do not have internet access or a computer here in the lake. I have been verbalizing my entries and the Save Reggie Team has been typing them all for me(Thanks Guys!). Somebody emailed me and suggested I get one of those wireless Blackberry things but I don't think that that would work well because my fingers are too fat and I would press to many keys at one time.

There is not much other news from the weekend other than a lot of people came out to show support and resistance to the "Save Reggie" movement. Thank you to all the supporters, let's not give up the fight. Keep spreading the word!!

Don't forget to check out my baby photos that I put up in my earlier posts.

Reggie

T-Bone Moved In

2005-10-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw this big blocky object being moved in by the lake, being a gator I obviously didn't know what it was but luckily some loyal readers and the Daily Breeze let me know that T-Bone is moving in. Someone donated a camper to T-Bone so that he can live at our lake while trying to catch me. Talk about Gator Haters!

T-Bone supposedly knows where I like to hang out which really isn't that hard to figure out if you just lay back and watch me for awhile. These other wranglers were too impatient, they just wanted to get off the plane and catch me. T-Bone has nothing else to do and nowhere really important to go so he can just watch and wait until he thinks the moments right. This is kind of scary because with the other wranglers I knew that if I could hide out for a few days they would eventually leave and I could resurface again. I'm going to spend this weekend watching T-Bone to see if he really has found my hiding spot. If he has I'm moving, this lake is big and plenty of top grade gator homes.

Some people have been thinking that I followed the rain water of a while ago out of the lake. I'm still here living it up the best I can. Don't worry about all the fish that have been dying in the lake either (was it the runoff into the lake?) I've got plenty of food. I've recently been introduced to lumpia (a traditional Filipino appetizer), wow those are good maybe someone could make me one the size of a burrito though.

The Daily Breeze contacted my team and told them that there is should be a short blurb about me in the "ask us" section of their paper on Monday. Today they put in an article about another urban gatorthat occurred in 1996 in San Francisco (I've heard it's too cold there). The story is a lot like mine but this gator gets captured and ultimately returned to the wild in New Orleans. I hope "Golden Gator" as they called him is doing alright. We gators are survivors.

The Daily Breeze also reported that somebody called the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. I guess they forgot to tell that person that I'm an alligator. I'm not really scared of Irwin anyways, people have been telling me that he sedates the crocs before catching me. If that's true I know I can escape from him because I'm not going to let anyone give me any type of drugs. Of course if I'm captured by anyone I do expect a full physical exam at the zoo, and I'm willing to take some meds if needed at that time.

Come out and support me this weekend. T-Bone is feeling confident like my end is near. Let's show him that Reggie support is still going strong.

Reggie

I'll Make You Famous (Part II)

2005-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Are these guys really alligator wranglers or are they just out to be famous? I'm starting to wonder because none of them seem to know what they are doing but they are receiving so much media attention. T-Bone has been hanging out with his PR agent wherever he goes, Jay Young is coming back to Hollywood to check out another deal (Denver Post). I think that a lot of people are taking advantage of me and using me for their own advancement. I don't know if there is anything wrong with this but it makes me upset. Maybe I should capitalize off of them capitlizing off of me, how about a "I'm Reggie, I'll make you famous" shirt or something like that? I am fighting for my freedom but people are trying to take me down. It seems that whenever there is an opening these wranglers are right there trying to push the "Capture Reggie" campaign. I need all my supporters to come out this weekend and give me some love!

I received a great email from a reader providing me with much inspiration. The email told me to keep my head up and to stay positive. The email also provided some really nice links to articles. The first link was for the NY Times (Free Registration Required), this article talks about how to get attacked by a gator. I think you should read this and do the opposite. My instincts have been developed over millions of years and I may attack not because I want to but because it is a reflex that has been engrained into my DNA. The email also provided a link to a site that has Alligator Sounds. The site has sounds of alligator threats and also distress signals. Study these sounds if you are going to visit me. If you hear me hissing you need to step back. Like I said yesterday I am on high alert and anyone who comes close to me I have to assume is a wrangler.

Bogert the Daily Breeze Columnist did an article the other day where he asked some experts from Florida what to do with me. Guess what they said, of course they said let me be. Humans and animals have cooexisted for a really long time however in recent times this has begun to change. Of course people are usually encroaching on animals that are native to the area so my case is a little different. Remember I'm not hurting anyone by being in the lake.

Look for something about me in the "Ask Us" section of the Daily Breeze. I'm not sure if it was published today or if it is going to be later on so keep on checking for me. Also the BBC contacted me yesterday so maybe I'll be doing something for the U.K. I no longer crave the media attention but a documentary showing the struggles of an urban alligator (me) and how it sparks a community to come together would be nice.

Remember I offer the Original (I'd say Official too) Reggie memorabilia at my Online Store. There are a lot of imitators out there but remember the best place to find out about Reggie is from the source: Me. If you would like a saying on a specific item give me an email and we can work it out.

Reggie

Gator Haters: You knew they were out there

2005-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Of course whenever somebody garners love and support others always generate some kind of smear campaign to balance out the equation. I know there are a lot of people out there that hate me and want to see me captured but I've finally got a hold of an article that is really anti gator.

The Long Beach press Telegram printed an editorial were the author is a real Gator Hater. He talks about how gators are dangerous and goes on to discuss a story of how somebody was attacked somewhere by a gator. These are scare tactics, does anyone know if T-Bone has the Press Telegram on payroll? I'll admit I can be dangerous if you encroach on me but if you respect my space and stay a proper distance away or look for me from a viewing deck you're more thank likely going to be fine. Don't let your kids wander near the lake (especially inside the orange barrier). Remember that I am on extra high alert with T-Bone back again. It is really difficult for me to tell if somebody is a supporter or if they are working for T-Bone. Plus I'm starting to get paranoid, everytime I hear a noise I think its a wrangler.

I'm not agitated yet but I'm sure I will get sick of this guy living at the lake. This is our lake not his! The Daily Breeze talks about the band that came out yesterday and says that people were out chanting "Free Reggie". I always thought that "Free Reggie" meant leave me here but now I'm starting to believe that to most it means free me by liberating me from this lake. I love this lake and I want to stay.

Someone sent me an email that had a nice phrase describing T-Bone in it: "Don't believe the hype". Come out here to the lake and show some support let T-Bone know that this is where I belong.

Reggie

Loneliness, Depression, and Withdrawal

2005-09-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

It seems like it's been forever since I last posted into my blog even though it's only been a day and a half. It has been a difficult transition for me from all of the media attention to nothing. Even though I'm just a regular ole gator I was getting used to all the attention. It became a drug for me and now I'm suffering the withdrawals. Not only did it have an effect on the quality and quantity of my entries but I've had trouble eating and sleeping. I guess it's a sort of depression that I'm suffering. I know it sounds strange that I could be depressed when I've been receiving so much love (over 9000 hits this week!!) but it happened.

Once I realized what was going on with me I decided I need a day to concentrate on getting my mind in order. I did that today, it was like cleaning out the clutter from my brain (I know it's small but size doesn't matter). I declare myself free from the need of media attention. I no longer depend on the Hollywood types to get me through my day. I'm returning my mindstate back to its roots. I am a hardworking blue collar gator and I represent all the people in Harbor Area.

I'm ready for whatever Janice Hahn and Los Angeles throw at me now. I'm fully reenergized, recharged, reinvigorated, and ready to do whatever I need to stay free. I haven't given up the fight and you shouldn't either. Keep sending me those emails (savereggie@gmail.com) and showing love.

The Daily Breeze reported today that some local bluegrass bands came to play and welcome T-Bone back to the lake. I didn't really want any part of that so I was as far away from that scene as I could be. I disappeared not because I dislike bluegrass but because I don't support those who support T-Bone's venture.

Last night I was notified by a supporter that a company is offering Gator Antenna Balls. Unfortunately you have to buy 200 minimum. If anyone finds any cool gator products let me know. Don't forget about my online store, the most popular shirt lately has been the "Gators Don't Kill People, People Kill People" style. Thanks to all of those who have been showing off Reggie Gear (regardless of where you got it).

Keep the love coming
Reggie

He's Back

2005-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard by now: T-Bone is back. He told NBC today (http://www.nbc4.tv/news/5019931/detail.html) that he plans to get to know me then he will catch me the old fashioned way. Remember earlier when I first posted about T-Bone that I was somewhat scared by the thought of this maniac jumping into the lake to catch me. He is very unorthodoxed and I don't know quite what to expect. If he really wants to get to know me he should just read my blog and email me.

I guess this means my week of vacation is over. I was really relaxed almost to a state of mental hibernation. Everybody needs to take it easy sometimes, just to get refreshed and reenergized. Luckily (or unluckily for T-Bone) I am fully energized now and I'm ready for a good fight. All of your support has also helped to keep me pumped up and ready to go. Don't worry everyone I'm not ready to give up yet, if T-Bone is going to catch me he is going to have to earn it.

Reggie

Yahoo! for Good
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Just How I Like It

2005-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

This past week was extremely quiet, just the way I like it. This is the first chance I've really had to relax since the capture of Little Reggie. In my spare time I've been swimming, eating, and people watching (my new favorite hobby). People are still visiting me intermittedly and I love when they call my name. Some article this week was pointing out how I was calling attention to the environment, here's a call: there are a bunch of empty 7-11 cups by the pier structure in the lake. There is nothing worse than surfacing from the water and having a big gulp cup on your head.

The city of LA is still planning their next move. Somebody told me that the government likes to have a lot of meetings, I guess that is true. I hope they continue to have more meetings so that I can keep on enjoying this great weather. By the way, I loved the rain the other day. There must be something in my genes that makes me love the weather they get in the Southeastern U.S. Don't take that the wrong way though, I don't want to be released in Florida, I would like to stay in Los Angeles at the zoo. However if this comment I received from a reader is true I hope the zoo can do something to the alligator exhibit before I get there. Here is what they said:

"Last I was at the LA zoo the alligator exhibit was 2-4 inches of water (I couldn't get close enough to eyeball it well.)in a narrow, shallow cement channel. The poor alligator in it could do nothing.Keep swimming Reggie. Don't let them get you. You don't want to go to that horrible place.Someone should point up the repulsive way that alligators are kept in the LA Zoo." - BrStarr

Can anyone confirm this, or does anyone have a more recent opinion on the state of the alligator exhibit? This really has me worried and has anyone heard about little Reggie lately? I'm worried about the little guy, hopefully he is doing O.K.

Many people emailed me about he Neighborhood Council meeting but I only received one photo (from Pearly Gator). Everyone said that the meeting was packed, about 300 people, chanting my name. In the photo you can see the Gator Heads and the Free T-Shirts. They ran out of T-Shirts but I guess they are accepting orders if you would like them. I am not affiliated with the Neighborhood Council but I offer a large variety of gift items at my Online Store. Support at the store has picked up a lot since the meeting, thanks for all the support. Continue to send me more photos of the event at savereggie@gmail.com .

Besides that not much has been going in the lake. I'm going to be posting a few more baby photos real soon. Thanks for all the support I really appreciate it. Support your local gator.

Reggie

Gator Aid Mail, Photos, Council Meeting

2005-09-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Since there hasn't been a lot of action in the past two days I'm just going to post some of the messages that all of my supporters have been leaving me, plus a couple of photos, and an update on the Harbor City Neighborhood Council meeting. I'm assuming that it is going to be slow for awhile since the city is working on a new plan to capture me. We will see what happens, supposedly T-Bone is going to take part in the Gator steering committee.

From what I'v heard so far the Neighborhood Council meeting at Narbonne High was a success. Over 200 people attended, many of them dressed like me. I heard that there were signs saying Reggie for President and stuff like that. I really appreciate all the love, I really don't want to run for office though, too much stress when you have to deal with things like wild animals in county parks. The Daily Breeze has a nice writeup about what happened at the meeting. Read it here:
Neighborhood Council Meeting. I was very excited when I heard about the great turnout, I never expected so many supporters to show up. Thank you to all who came out and showed some love.

The Council allowed me to prepare a short speech to be presented at their meeting since I could not attend. For those who couldn't attend I will post it below. For those who made it to the Save Reggie rally thanks for supporting me, send me your thoughts, summaries, and photos from the event I will be happy to include some of them in my next entry. I would also like to thank the council for organizing the event, I hope it was successful. My speech:

"Hello everyone,

I am very grateful that Harbor City is holding a rally for me tonight. I wish I could be there with all of you but I am busy hiding from so-called gator wranglers whose most famous accomplishment is not catching me. I appreciate the support that Harbor City and all of the South Bay has given me during my adventure. Times have been difficult while learning to adjust to life in the wild but the people of your community have made the transition easier by coming out and visiting me, feeding me (I love burritos), and defending me against all of the people who hope
that I will be captured (I like to call them gator haters).

I have been the recipient of worldwide press but what I am most proud of is that 've made people aware of how wonderful and charming Harbor City and Machado Lake are.

Remember to keep on supporting your local gator wherever you are from and no matter what happens to me I want you to know that "You can take the Gator out of Harbor City, but you can't take the Harbor City out of a Gator."
Thanks
Reggie the Alligator"

Thanks to everyone who voted to make me the new mascot at LA Harbor College (Thanks to all the students who came out last night too). I am not going to be the new mascot, instead the school decided that I will be a co-mascot along with Sammy. I like this concept because I think Los Angeles lacks a lot of tradition and keeping some intact is something I am happy about. I'm sure the school will be selling plenty of Reggie gear in the near future (Remember the original Reggie merchandise is available at my online store). There is more on the story here: Reggie and Sammy.

In a recent Daily Breeze article they reported that I have photos of myself before I was released. Here are two new photos for your enjoyment.

In this photo I don't really know what I'm doing. The reason why I like it is because it shows me having a good time. Look at that smile, it's got Hollywood all over it (producers please contact me through Email). A lot of people think that I am serious all the time but this photo shows that I'm lighthearted and that I have a good sense of humor. I was smaller here (and in the next photo) only about 4ft long at the time.

This photo was taken during the same time period. It shows me eating some raw meat that my friends were feeding me. I used to love raw beef, I never used to like chicken because they tell me it taste like alligator but I've gotten used to it since they started feeding it to me here at the lake. I'll post a more "ferocious" photo of me eating later on.

Now onto the mail that I've been receiving. It has been great, every letter I receive gives me the strength to keep going. Everyone out there who is supporting me by coming to the lake, reading the blog, sending me photos, etc, I appreciate it greatly and I know it will help me remain safe in the future. I would like to take this chance to post some of the message I've been receiving:

Hi Reggie! Glad you are OK. I got worried this morning when I was hearing that you were captured. Actually the LA Zoo is quite a nice gig! Great benefits.....room & board, 100% medical coverage, and lets not forget that there are lady gators there too. This could be great for your social life, especially with your good looks and terrific sense of humor!! Hang in there.

Hay Reggie! Glad to hear your capture was just a hoax! I've been reading your blog site. It's great! I live here in Casper, Wyoming, but I'm originally from Torrance. I've been a vet tech for 20 years and have spent much time rehabing and rescuing reptiles. I was rather intrigued when my mom e-mailed me your story. I think Machado Lake was an ok place make your home. I'm afraid though that someone will try to catch you and hurt you or themselves. Humans are the most dangerous species of all. I don't think the weather will get cold enough to send you into a hibernation, but it may slow you down a bit. Please be leary of fishing lines and stupid attempts at traps. I'll bet you're a really handsome and sweet gator. I wish you the best of luck. You have all our support and prayers from Casper.

Reggie the Gator,Cheers to the San Pedro Brewing Company at 331 W. Sixth St for creating abatch of Alligator Ale in honor of Reggie. "Save Reggie Now!" asend thedthe T-Bone Back to from whence he came". The next time I visit L.A., I'llbe sure to "safely navigate" to the SPBC and sluuurp down some of "Reggie's Frosty Alligator Ale" in your honor.Some of us are praying for you Reggie... all the way over here in NJ.but sinceince I'm a SoCal native, in a sense, we are brothers). We hope you continue to elude those nutty gator captors and their financial support network.

Don't you worry bout a thing Big Reg!! I made sure that sucker-duck T-Bone didn't have the right 'credentials' to even get near ya!!! ;)

The photo below is from a wilmington reader who took her kids to see me. I couldn't make an appearance the day they showed up but they sent me a photo of this sign. Can you believe that they think I'm dangerous?

Dear Reggie
So sorry we missed you we moved from Wilmington to Atlanta Georgia three years ago and When we lived there in california Harbor City Regional park was one of our favorite spots. We used to love to go there and enjoyed feeding all the ducks and geese. Sorrydidn'tidnt get to see you but hope that you will tell all our duck and geese friends hello for us and tell them how much we miss them. Atlanta is a wonderful place to live but sure miss all our friends at the park. Hope they keep you there for a long time and let you get to know all of the wonderful wildlife that lives there in the park. Live long and be happy Reggie and please keep away from those darn gator wranglers.

Good luck Reggie. Glad to hear you're doing ok. From a Harbor City homegirl living out in the boonies of Victorville

Go Reggie Go! Keep hididon'tdont let those jerks take you out of the lake! Love ya, Reggie!!!

Sup Reggie! I hope they never catch you and that you live long and free. Just make sure you don't get into the sewer system and kill people. Then you'll get in big time trouble mister alligator. But for now......................live strong!!!!

i think they should make that lake a place for alligators and crocodiles or something cause i dont think there is any other alligators and crocodiles that r wild in california and many people would come and see you and many others!

WAY TO GO REGGIE! The Gatorland people left cause T-Bone was talking smack about them! Now T-Bone can't be found! Was he your dinner? Hope you didn't choke on the bone.....Stay Safe!!!!

I love Reggie, I've been reading online about him ever since my mom sent me a clipping from the daily breeze about him. I'll be in harbor city in a month to visit my mom and hope to see reggie while I'm there.Don't you worry about starving in old Machado Lake buddy, theres plenty of ducks to go around. Go Reggie Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay safe Reggie, don't let the wranglers catch ya' yet, just tease them from a safe for you distance. :D

As you can see there are a lot of people out there supporting me. Let's keep it up and let's keep spreading the word. Thank you everyone and remember to keep sending me photos and letters.

Reggie the Alligator

Try to Catch Me: I'll make you famous

2005-09-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

The first thing today is the announcement of the Reggie Rally hosted by the Harbor City Neighborhood Council. This is on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Narbonne High at 6:30. The Council is going to make me an "official Resident of Harbor City." There is going to be a costume contest and they are going to sing my anthem. I heard there may be free t-shirt giveaways but someone needs to verify that for me. Everyone needs to get out and attend this rally. Harbor City has been showing me lots of love and giving me lots of support. This is your chance to show them that they need to continue supporting me. If you attend be sure to take some photos and email them to me. I'm going to be stuck in the lake that night so I won't be able to attend.

Narbonne High School
24300 Western Ave
Harbor City, CA 90710 US

As you all heard from yesterday the Louisiana Gator wrangler is gone due to lack of paperwork. However he has not really moved on because I'm hearing all kinds of things at the lake about how he angered gatorland and how Hahn angered Gatorland. Williams is actually going to write a letter of complaint. I think the problem is that everyone involved in trying to capture me has something to prove and is very territorial. It is sort of like when I was first dumped into the lake the other animals started saying a lot of negative things about me. If you have been reading my blog since the beginning you will remember that I had a difficult time adjusting to the ecological culture of this lake but over time I gradually began understanding the importantance of working together. Since then my stay here has been happier. My brain may be small but I think humans could learn a few things from watching me. More on this story after my new photo:

How about this nice photo of me laying out in the sun. I'm pretty big here but I'm a little bigger right now. Especially since the residents of Harbor City have been feeding me so well. I'm going to be putting some more photos up but I need to sort through them. This is difficult when you live in water since I don't want to get them wet.

I took this next photo from beFrank:This Job Sucks. If you look closely (Click on it and it gets bigger) you can see a Reggie toy on Councilwoman Hahn's desk. She has been a bit controversial lately (I don't get involved in politics) but she has always supported me and I appreciate that.

Now back to the wranglers: Williams of Gatorland was quoted in the Daily Breeze article as saying "I think they should just keep the thing in there. Post signs, fence it off." He is the 2nd (1st being T-Bone) wrangler to say that I should be left here. The article then quotes Hahn as saying "I think we need to seriously consider the fact that he may not be caught." I guess a lot of people are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Leaving me in the lake will benefit Harbor City and also will benefit me. I think this lake should be made into a wildlife dropoff point.

The LA Times did a short piece on T-Bone today but this article seemed to be filler, so I have no comment.

Thanks for all of the email which has been pouring in since I posted my childhood photos, keep it coming. Let's keep spreading the word it seems to be working, 7000 blog visitors and over 200 Myspace friends.

Reggie

Two more wranglers defeated - Plus A new photo

2005-09-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Just as I started to get scared of this crazy guy from Louisiana he is removed from the job. The city realized they should check his references first plus he needs some insurance. Remember I am a ferocious beast who likes to attack humans on sight. I'm sorry T-Bone, I was looking forward to making you look bad too. Hopefully I will get the chance in the future. Check it out in the Daily Breeze. The LA Times also has a good article and they quote T-bone as saying "I think Reggie outta just stay where he's at, if you ask me." Thanks for the love T-Bone, I hope everything turns out alright with you.

Now onto Gatorland. This was their second strike, do you think they will come back for more? It seemed that this guy just came here from Florida to feed me. These "well trained" wranglers seem to be turning the lake into a high profile petting zoo. The rumor around the lake is that I'm going to get a week off. I can really use the time to rest and start answering some of the emails I've been getting.

I was looking through all my old photographs and I thought this one would be good for casting calls. Hollywood eat your heart out, this is my glamour shot.

This photo was taken while I was at home a while ago but this is most likely how you will see me at the park if I'm making an appearance.

I've been swimming around a lot lately at around 8 pm but I might have to cut the night swimming back thanks to T-Bone. This weekend the park was very crowded since Mexican independence just occurred and also because of the California Coastal Cleanup day. A lot of people were out looking for and I appreciate all of the support. Lets keep getting the word out!!

If you would like to see some more of my old photos let me know by email at savereggie@gmail.com. Also let me know if you thank I have a chance in Hollywood.

The other day my blog hit 6000 visitors and now it's about to hit 7000 lets keep the support coming. I finally reached 200 friends on www.myspace.com/savereggie and people have been showing a lot of love at my online store. Let me know if you would like any little Reggie shirts or any saying on a specific item, I'll see what I can do. I recently had my team add a "Gators don't kill people, people kill people" shirt. I'm thinking of a "Reggie Ate my homework" shirt for the kids, let me know what you think.

Stay tuned for more updates. If anyone has pictures of T-bone in action send them over.

Reggie

New Orleans Wrangler: Is this guy crazy?

2005-09-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, this man "T-Bone" from New Orleans is sort of freaking me out. He is camping out at the lake and he is walking around with a flashlight trying to shine it in my eyes. What scares me about him is that he has an unorthodox cajun wrangler style. You never quite know what he is going to do. I think it is funny that he is talking trash about Tim from Gatorland. He stated, "I just hope I can keep Gatorland off my back. I ain't telling them nothing. That pontoon boat is retarded." Mr. T-Bone also said that when he usually catches gators he stabs them in the back of the head and in the brain but supposedly he is going to take it easy on me. I've heard that the city wants to take me alive because they see me as a source of revenue. I'm glad that gators don't have to be involved in politics.

The second thing that scares me about T-Bone is that he has experience in urban gator containment. Both Gatorland and Jay Young work in areas that are not urban. I am an urban metropolis gator, I am a totally different animal than what they are used to. However, this guy is used to catching gators in a city and he seems to do it for fun. I think it is sort of like cow tipping to him. I hope that he does know what he is doing because I do have a temper if you rub me the wrong way. People need to remember that Gators Bite. I hope nobody gets hurt as my saga continues but we will have to wait and see.

Remember to scroll down and see the exclusive photos of me growing up. I have some more of me eating some nice looking meat, I will post those soon. Life was so easy back then.

Here is the LA weekly article that first talked about T-Bone:
T-Bone’s Dream

Here is the LA Times article that discusses T-Bone getting the job:
Reggie Has a New Nemesis in Evacuee

I don't know how I missed this little blurb about Day 35 of the hunt in the Daily Breeze (I been having read to me everyday) but they said "Maybe Reggie is too busy surfing the 'Net to be caught." Although I have been conducting a lot of research on news stories my first priority has been my freedom. They gave my blog another link which was nice. Check out the blurb here Gator Watch Day 35. The daily breeze has been updating the situation everyday so keep checking them out.

Reggie

Exclusive Photos!!! Reggie Growing Up in San Pedro.

2005-09-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This posting has a lot of new information. Some pictures that I found of my childhood, some news of a new wrangler from New Orleans, and a Vote for Reggie.

Today I got a hold of some exclusive photos of me while growing up before I was in the lake. These photos are here on my blog first (Sorry Daily Breeze and LA Times), a little treat for my loyal supporters!!

I enjoyed my time with my owners but as you can see I was quite constrained and I am enjoying the freedom of the lake. Luckily my owners played games with me that kept me from losing all of my wild instincts. You can also see that I was very friendly with the other animals that I shared space with and this still holds true today, even though I was mean to some dogs and ducks earlier. Blame that on my need for survival.

Looking at these pictures is very difficult for me because I really miss where I came from. You know what they always say, "You can take the Gator out of San Pedro but you can't take the San Pedro out of a Gator". I miss my owner a lot hopefully they will get off easy, they did give the local economy a boost economically and emotionally.

It is also evident from the photos that I have grown quite a bit over the years. The picture above is one of my favorites, I'm smiling for the camera. I smiled a lot during my stay at the house. I had some great times there but I don't regret leaving because life is about experiences and now I know what it is like to live in many different ways, and I'm sure I will live in many more places before my time expires.

I've got a face that's hard not to love. The ladies used to say I had beautiful eyes for a gator.

Thanks to the source of these photos, I thought they were gone forever. They are extremely valuable to me and the memories they bring back are priceless. Hopefully you enjoyed them and I'll see if there are any more I can show you.

The other big news today is that a man who evacuated from New Orleans and is staying in Los Angeles, turns out to be a gator wrangler. His name is Thomas "T-Bone" Quinn and he has lifelong experience catching gators. I guess he volunteered his services to Councilwoman Hahn and she accepted. Good luck to him, he'll need it.

Visit the Los Angeles Harbor College website and vote to make Reggie the Gator the new mascot for the college. A seahawk is not even a bird so I don't understand why it should be the mascot. Help make me a permanent part of the community. Thanks to Barbara N. for pointing this out.

Also to update the hoax story: James Solvig is charged with criminal impersonation for make phone calls to media outlets as gator wrangler Jay Young. Solvig stated that Young told him to do it and that it was a publicity stunt. Young denies this and seems sort of upset. Check out the full story at the Daily Breeze.

Today there is also a great article in The LA Daily News that talks about how I'm boosting local tourism. The quote I like is "Reggie's tale is the great American tale of success in the face of great hardship and terrible odds". The author makes a strong case about leaving me in the lake. I appreciate the support. Another theme in the article is the environmental state of the lake, I'm not trying to make any political statements by being in the lake but if me being here does result in us focusing more on the health of our natural habitats I will be happy.

Another blog the Sacred Ordinary gave me a lot of print on their site. Check it out it is a very good read on a solid blog site.

Reggie

Coastal Cleanup Day - You Can Clean My House

2005-09-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

News is starting to drag again so I have a couple announcements that have some effect on me.

On Saturday, September 17th, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) is hosting a Coastal Cleanup Day. The effort used to focus mostly on beaches and stuff but now this year they are moving to some inland areas. One of these areas is Ken Malloy Park, where Machado Lake (my home) is. If you want to help clean my house contact the CCC by visiting this page.

This is what the Daily Breeze wrote about the event:

"Reggie, the alligator that may still be on the loose in Machado Lake on Saturday, won't stop the scheduled cleanup event at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, with volunteers starting not far from the parking lot accessed from the Anaheim Street entrance."

Also the San Pedro Brewing Company is operated by some real nice people and they started offering their Alligator Ale. They have happy hour M-F 3:30-6:30 and they have some interesting events going on everyday. Check out their site at http://www.sanpedrobrewing.com/.

Besides that I'm doing O.K., I feel strong even though I'm really tired. Being under constant watch and constantly avoiding capture is a very stressful venture. I hope that this ends one way or another and hopefully it will end with me being a part of this lake.

Reggie

Little Reggie Update plus a Janice Hahn Quote

2005-09-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

LA Councilwoman Janice Hahn claims to have no problem telling if I am male or female. The Inside Bay Area News website reprinted an LA Times article that quotes Hahn as saying "I'm sure Reggie is a he, because he clearly avoids commitment, and he's never where he says he's going to be." I'm really not scared of committment, it's just that I haven't found the right lady yet. I'm very picky, I was thinking of going onto match.com but I've heard it's slim pickings for female gators over there. Plus they never look like their pictures.

Update on Little Reggie. I emailed the LA Zoo to find out how Little Reggie is doing and this is the response I received:

-------
Hello,Thanks for writing to the Los Angeles Zoo. For their protection and well-being, all animals in quarantine are off-exhibt and unavailable for viewing by the public. It's my understanding that the Zoo is actively searching for a permanent home for the alligators we are temporarily caring for.

Regards,
Will C. (I edited his last name for privacy)
Website Editor
lazoo.org
-------

I don't know if this is addressing Little Reggie directly but thanks to the LA Zoo for responding to my inquiry.

I guess Jay Young of Colorado Gators was pretty steamed over the fake news that he had captured me. It's been pretty much confirmed that the hoax was created by a disgruntled ex employee who has a history of pulling these pranks. Mr. Young is back in LA today, but not to catch me, he is here to try and get a T.V. deal. Good luck Jay, even though you tried to catch me I understand we all need to feed our families one way or another.

Reggie

Show your support and Drink to me!!

2005-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Life has been anything but relaxing lately I'm kind of tired of these guys moving into my lake and staying. They have been putting out a lot of new chicken bait and they have been stepping up their pursuit of me during the night using spotlights and canoes. I am on high alert and I will remain this way until they leave me alone.

Mr. Williams of Gatorland expressed exactly how I was feeling in the Daily Breeze yesterday. when he stated "He just wants to be left alone." I do want the authorities to leave me alone but I don't wan't all of the supporters to stop coming. The love I've been receiving has been awesome and I appreciate it.

I would like to show some appreciation to the San Pedro Brewing Company at 331 W. Sixth St for creating a batch of Alligator Ale. In the Daily Breeze article today they quoted the owner James Brown as saying "Like our friend, it has a little bit of a bite, is a bit snappy and the flavor can be a bit elusive." I've heard that alligators taste like chicken (crocodiles eat their own, we don't so I don't know) but I'm sure that this brew does not. How about some free brew for the Gator - email me at savereggie@gmail.com. In my opinion it is better to drink Alligator Ale than to eat Alligator.

Also my blog reached 6000 visitors today. Thank you all so much for that, the support has been more than I ever expected. I'm just a gator on the run, but I guess I picked the greatest community in the world to be a part of. A special thanks goes out to all of the employees of the ConocoPhillips refinery!!

Reggie

On the hunt for a Gator

2005-09-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

They are trying to catch me as we speak.

I noticed that Tim from Gatorland in Florida was back today at the lake. Him and two other people (herpetologist or wranglers I'm guessing) were setting a trap for me earlier in the day using raw chicken and fishing poles. I would like to say thank you to Fred (I think he is a city employee) for feeding me all the chicken and getting me nice and strong, however I still have one complaint and I have voiced it before, how about some flavor, a little marinade or something would be nice.

I overheard the news reporter on Channel 9 Dave Lopez saying that they were going to attempt to catch me tonight. He was right.

Channel 9 is here right now filming live. The reporter Jennifer Sibih said that the wranglers are feeling lucky tonight, we'll see.

In case you come to the park I've been hanging out near the boat house in the aquatic vegetation.

The last news about the hoax I heard was that it was started by a jealous ex-employee of Jay Young from CO.

Keep up the support.

I'm Here. The Great Alligator Hoax

2005-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm alright. It was just a hoax but I decided I better lay low for a few hours just in case the authorities had something funny planned. Here is what Los Angeles Parks and Rec had to say:

"To the best of my knowledge and all the reports I have received this morning, it was a hoax," said Ron Berkowitz, the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks superintendent, who supervises the area that includes the lake. "I called the zoo to verify and the gator is not there. I called the rangers, the city council office and my staff at the lake. There was no capture."

I appreciate the outpouring of love I received in my email, you guys give me the strength to keep pushing for my freedom.

Whoever planned this hoax is great. This thing spread like wildfire to all parts of the globe. This hoax made it all over the U.S. and worldwide including Canada, Australia, and the U.K. This guy is either crazy or a genius.

Here is the article from the LA Times that talks about my "capture":

Los Angeles Times

I like how they get down all the details like the car I was placed in was a rented 2005 Escalade. Don't they know that gators prefer Navigators, for obvious reasons. This was also the first article where the LA Times mentioned my blog.

Articles about it being a hoax then appeared in all the same papers a few hours later. Here is a sample of one:

Times Daily - Northwest Alabama

Thanks again for all the support and the love. I love all you guys. Let's stay strong and keep spreading the word.

Reggie

Message from the Save Reggie Team

2005-09-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I am Reggie’s Official webmaster. I am the one who has been setting up his websites and inputting the messages that Reggie has been forwarding to me, I have also been forwarding your messages to him. Yesterday Reggie told me that he would contact me at about 8 am but as of now he has not contacted me. I have heard conflicting news reports that he has been captured but in my gut I know that he hasn’t. I know that the wranglers would have allowed him to contact me from captivity. I am waiting for answers just like all of you. Let’s all hope it is a hoax.

Right now Reggie just needs our support, hopefully he is still in hiding. It’s hard to believe that he would be sitting out on the shore. He has been very concerned lately that they were planning a sneak attack (see earlier post about that). However, it may be true because Reggie has also been feeling very depressed and lonely lately, and he has mentioned to me his thoughts of giving up and starting a new chapter of his life. If you read the post prior to this one Reggie also discussed his fear of the upcoming winter months.

Hopefully Reggie will be able to report back to us later today, and I’m hoping it will be from Machado Lake.

Thank You for your Support
The Save Reggie Team

Life as a Gator: Thinking of the future

2005-09-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today was another slow day in the pond and in the news. I did appreciate a quiet day after the recent onslaught of media attention, it gave me some time to reflect about my life. I think I'm finally starting to find out who I really I am. When you have time alone you really get to learn about yourself, for example I never thought I would be so much of a survivor. I guess I have instincts that have been honed for generations and passed on to me.

I also got to thinking about what is going to happen in the winter. It is already getting a bit chilly at night and in the cold I tend to slow down. I guess I'm what humans call "cold blooded". Together with this, I'm sort of worried that the scientist may have put a tracking device in some of the raw chicken I've been eating. Now if they wait until a cold night to catch me they will know exactly where I am and I will be to cold to get out of the way. Let's see what happens.

Some people wanted different designs at my Online Store so this is what I came up with. The first is a yellow 1980's Hulk Hogan style "Gatormania" shirt, the womans shirt (which is my favorite) says "Gators are Hot, Save Reggie", and the ash gray T-Shirt says "Don't Hate the Gator, Hate the Game". Check them out if you see something you like go ahead and show me some love.

Not much in the news today. Another article from Canada this time from the Edmonton Sun. They call the lake gungy (not grungy) but I think the lake is fairly clean for how much it seems to have been neglected over the years. The other article is in the Daily Breeze. This article talks about people trying to use me as their mascot and such. I support my use in anyway you can. Hopefully publicity about me will help save other Gators in the future.

Reggie

Little Reggie's Capture, Still Trying to Catch Me, and More Gator

2005-09-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

This has been a very hectic weekend since the capture of "Little Reggie". His (I'm not sure of his gender but Reggie is a males name) capture has sparked a storm of media attention again. Today a Daily Breeze article reported that Tim Williams from Gatorland in Florida is coming back to try and catch me this week. I guess they're hoping that the third try is a charm. I'm hoping that the it's their third strike. Maybe they would be able to catch me if they didn't let everyone know what they were going to do before they did it, the element of surprise can work on Gators too.

LA Fire department captured Little Reggie by extending a fireman sixty feet over the water on a ladder. These guys knew what they are doing. We aren't usually being attacked by anything from the air, so this was a really good strategy. You can read about the capture on the LA Fire Department News Blog.

Part of Little Reggie's downfall is that he got himself stuck in a small area where they were able to fence him off. That is precisely why I have never left the lake. I've thought about many times but my instincts always told me to stay put. I have over 50 acres of water to hide in at Machado Lake.

It was also reported that some of the neighbors attempted to capture Little Reggie on their own late Wednesday afternoon. I guess they nabbed him using a fish hook and almost got him but he escaped. I would like to ask all locals to not attempt to catch me for two reasons. One I am bigger, stronger, and smarter than Little Reggie and two if you don't know what you're are doing it is possible you will hurt me. Right now the papers are saying that the little guy is fine but lets all see what happens to him.

Another Daily Breeze Article said that their is a high possibility that there are numerous Gators in Machado Lake. I have no comment on that. Let's just say that right now I'm the only one here.

Me and my blog made it into the Canyon News which reports to Malibu, Beverly Hills, and other nice places. Their story didn't address anything new. People have been asking me how come I chose Machado Lake instead of another place like Alondra Park, Macarthur park, or some parks in the areas that the Canyon News covers. I guess the reason I wanted my owner to take me to Machado was because I'm a local gator. I knew that the people in Harbor City, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita (Thanks to Kat for the reminder), Torrance, PV, and even Long Beach would show me love that I wouldn't receive anywhere else.

The story of Little Reggie and myself has again gained international attention. Here are some links to stories in South Africa, U.K, and Australia:

South Africa
U.K.
Australia

Reggie

Little Reggie Caught

2005-09-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

So little Reggie's quest for freedom was put on hold yesterday as local officials captured him. I'm curious to see what happens to him because the way he is treated will give some insight into how I will be treated when I'm captured. I guess for now he is at the LA Zoo, I'm sure when he is on display he would appreciate the support of visitors.

As stated in this artice in the San Diego Union Tribune I've been showing myself again lately. At some point it may benefit me more to get caught than to fight. I feel like I'm swimming upstream, living in constant hiding. I never wanted to be a survivalist, I was house pet, and it might be nice to be one again. I heard that animals at the zoo are all well taken care of and receive tons of food so they don't have to waste time hunting. It sort of sounds good to me, but then again independent living has been fantastic so far.

Reggie

Little Reggie is his name!!!

2005-09-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Although the new Gator is not my kid they are calling him Little Reggie in all of the papers. I guess I should take that as a compliment, but it sort of scares me. I heard some people saying that they fenced off the area where Little Reggie is so he won't be making his way into the lake. That's too bad, I was really looking forward to the company. Hopefully more gators in the LA area are making their way down to the lake.

Map of Ken Malloy Regional Park and Machado Lake: Map

San Jose Mercury News

Article with a few good pictures of Little Reggie
LA Times

Is it My Brother? Reports Nation Wide! What's it's name?

2005-09-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

News of the new Gator has been spreading rapidly since the Associated Press picked up the story earlier today. I heard through the grapevine that people may be calling him "Gary" (as in Gary the Gator), this may prove to be just some local lake gossip just like I was initially called Harry and Carlito. So far it has appeared in bunch of newspapers and has been reported on over 50 different radiostations nationwide. People have been saying that things like this may be my brother or even my kid. I don't think so, I know that I don't have any kids and I don't remember having any brothers or sisters. I remember my owner having some strange looking fish and some weird tortoise eggs though. I'm hearing that this gator is much smaller than me so my hopes of it being a SGR are probably not going to be answered.

People have been saying that they saw on the news that they tried to capture the little guy today using a noose and a long pole. That would never work on me, not even the expert from Colorado could catch me.

Many of the newspapers in CA mentioned savereggie.blogspot.com but the papers in other states failed to leave it out. Somebody needs to notify these guys that their lack of support for me is hurting the cause. I would get on the phone and call my local newstation but my arms (as well as other gators) are not flexible enough to hold a phone up to my mouth.

The news about the little Gator has sparked a lot of interest in my blog again so I'll do my best to keep it current. I added the new Kids Baseball Jersey (by request) to the online store. The most popular items this week have been the Value T-Shirt for $9.99 and the colored T-Shirt for all the female friends of Reggie.

Due to all of the emails I have completely cut dogs out of my diet. In order for me to survive I need everyone to keep throwing my favorite type of burritos into the lake.

Here are some links to check out:
Canada News
Modesto Bee
WLBT: Mississippi

Second Alligator Found: I am not alone!

2005-09-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

I am not alone. It feels good to know that I have some family out there. If you haven't heard by now they have found another reptile, possibly a gator, in a flood control channel that feeds into Machado Lake. Obviously all of my supporters have been spreading the word to support me and their calls are being answered. I have a feeling that many Gators that have been living all around Los Angeles will slowly be making their way towards Harbor City. For years the Gators of Los Angeles must have been feeling like they were alone but now they no longer have to feel that way.

I'm hoping that this is the SGR (Single Green Reptile) that I have been waiting for, I'm also hoping that they will allow this new Gator to make its way to the Lake so that we can at least hang out for a little while. Although I do enjoy the onlookers and constant attention from the Rangers the conversation has been slim. I'm at a point in my life when I need more than "Here gator, gator, gator" calls. I need real converstation from someone who understands me, my background, and what I've gone through. The only one who can identify with me is another gator.

I need your voices to be heard, get out and support all of the new Gators in Los Angeles.

The first article on this story appeared in the Daily Breeze:
Is there enough room in Harbor City for 2 reptiles?

The second article which mentions the Official Reggie the Alligator Blog appeared in numerous newspapers and on radio news channels is linked here in the San Diego Union Tribune:
Second crocodilian turns up in Los Angeles waters

Keep the emails coming to savereggie@gmail.com and keep showing support for Reggie by visiting his online store.

Machado Lake Gator Still Hiding

2005-09-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

The papers have been reporting that I've been in hiding over the weekend. Honestly this is not true, I've been relaxing, mostly eating and sleeping. I have heard a lot of people talking about me since Friday, I think the best views are from the wooden pier like structure and also a little north of the Ranger setup center. Also, there is a piece of metal that is reflecting light in the Southeastern part of the lake, for the record, that is not me.

The crowds haven't been huge, mostly because nobody is trying to catch me, but I expect large crowds tomorrow for Labor Day. I have been receiving huge amounts of support through savereggie@gmail.com and on Myspace so keep the "Support your local gator" campaign growing.

I sort of miss the challenge of evading the wranglers and making them look like amateurs. It has been a big boost to my ego and self confidence and I feel that it has helped me grow as an individual.

I would like to say thank you to the family that brought me the carnitas tacos from the truck across PCH. Very tasty, next time just give me cilantro, onions, and the green salsa. Can somebody please tell the herpetologists to marinate the raw chicken they have been giving me. Since I've been in this lake I've developed quite a sophisticated pallete. I saw many families with food sitting out today, I'm sure that almost all of them would be willing to donate a tasty piece to me.

Onto the news the Pasadena City College Courier put a story titled "Alligator Lurks in L.A. Lake." This story is mostly a summary of what has been told. I think they made a mistake when they stated that Machado Lake is about a mile south of downtown LA. To me those buildings seem a lot further but what do I know, I'm just a gator.

Since Friday I have seen numerous people looking for me while wearing their official Reggie T-shirts. I think I also spotted some cars in the parking lot with license plate frames and bumper stickers. Save Reggie Merchandise is available at my online store starting at only $1.50.

Support your local Gator!!!!!

Video, Music, and Commentary

2005-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'd like to comment on John Bogert's Commentary that appeared in yesterdays Daily Breeze. I never meant to cost the city $50,000 and I don't appreciate being called a killer. You were right on about my pastimes. I know that some nights have been very lonely out here, almost to the point where I think of giving up. If I do give up hopefully they will place me somewhere with a beautiful "single green female". I would love the chance to make some Regemeister's of my own.

I received a link to another blog that posts a video of the crowds at Machado Lake. Look at all the people trying to see me. If I knew for a fact that the city would let me live here and be free I would post a schedule of my appearances.

Somebody also created a song for me entitled "You Can't Catch Me (Reggie's Boogie)", you can check that out at Pearly Gator's website. On that note I'm looking for any pictures, videos, or songs people have taken or made for me during the past few weeks.

Thank you to all the people from Harbor City, Wilmington, San Pedro, Torrance, and PV who have been supporting me at www.myspace.com/savereggie. It is appreciated greatly. I'm still trying to get the word out worldwide. Help save me before it's too late!!!!!!!!!

Giving the Public What They Want

2005-09-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Daily Breeze (Article Here)reported today that I was spotted Tuesday around Noon by volunteers and on Monday at 10 pm by a herpetologist. They said that I am getting more relaxed don't ask me how they know what I'm feeling. I know that if I don't show my "scaly mug", as the Breeze put it, people will forget about me until I'm captured (if I'm captured). The raw chicken parts that the volunteers have been feeding has been a nice touch, I guess it is the equivalent of trailmix to humans. Remember my single favorite food is a Carne Asada Burrito and the ones from Isaac's are really tasty. Thanks to the longshoreman that brought one over for me yesterday.

If anyone can get the herpetologist to contact me at savereggie@gmail.com I'd like to post some of what he's thinking on my site.

The Daily Breeze also stated today that they are not going to try and catch me for at least a week. I kind of think that they are trying to set me up for a sneak attack. I am going to be extra careful this weekend even though there is a good chance I'll give people a good show over the labor day weekend. My species is considered a dinosaur, we are survivors, we are not stupid.

Come out and show some Support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Reggie, the renegade"

2005-08-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

In today's LA Times Commentary section Patt Morrison wrote:

"And now here's Reggie, the renegade. He fought the law — the park rangers, the swaggering 'gator rasslers in leather cowboy hats and alligator-fang necklaces — and he won."

The article touches on a lot of points that I agree with and it also boosted my ego a bit. Morrison states that more people would recognize me than Villaraigosa, Lee Baca, or Bill Bratton. My favorite part of the article is entitled The Gator as Us. The author talks about how nobody really wants me to get caught because they are living their outlaw lives vicariously through me. I think that we should all rebel against somethings. Everyone is a gator in a lake trying to evade their hunter. I recommend reading this article since it is not just straight forward gator news. Check it out here: As an Alligator he is Quite a Chameleon

He also predicts that I will not be 8 or 10 feet long which I can somewhat verify. The last time I was measure I was around 7'2" but that was a while ago. It's hard to tell if you've grown or not by looking at your reflection in a lake.

Hurricane Emails, More News, New Products!!!

2005-08-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Due to email requests some more items have been added to the store today ( these include sweaters, bags, journals, and my favorite the license plate frame (shown above). Notice that none of my merchandise mentions my website because I want them to look as nice as possible not like an advertisement.

I have been receiving a large number of emails from people saying that my blog is a great escape from the terrible Hurricane. Many people have emailed saying that they have relatives who are being affected by Hurrican Katrina and this blog has been cheering them up. Hopefully many more people in the affected areas will be rescued.

I received an email today saying that KRNV Channel 4 (Reno) did a short blurb on this blog today. The AP story was also printed in the Sacramento Bee

I have been receiving tons of emails and I appreciate them, keep them coming and keep spreading the word about Reggie. You can still contact me direct at savereggie@gmail.com

Support Gators Worldwide!!!!!!

Reggiemania Hits The Entire State of California!!!!

2005-08-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

It's Day 19 of my self exploration mission in the lake. It has been a true learning experience so far. It was nice to have a calm day to myself today, I enjoyed sitting with the geese, in fact there is one Canada Goose in the group of geese that lives on the lake. I've also noticed that the squirrels are getting chunkier due to all of my scraps they've been eating. Pretty soon I maybe able to supplement my diet with a few of these new hi protein snacks.

If anyone wants to contact me directly send an email to my new email address: savereggie@gmail.com. I will do my best to respond to all questions and comments.

On the media tip I guess the Associated Press has picked up my story and a new article about my blog will be in numerous papers tomorrow. So far only papers in California are running it but we'll see what can happen.

To everyone who has shown support by purchasing merchandise I appreciate the gesture. Come out and support me this weekend and try to wear your Gator Gear. The Save Reggie Brigade should be out strong!!!

Here's the link to several newspapers running the story tomorrow:

Monterey Herald
San Luis Obispo Tribune
Contra Costa Times
San Diego Union Tribune
Fresno Bee Requires Subcription
San Jose Mercury News

Thanks to Pearly Gator for letting me know that the Antelope Valley Press also published a Reggie Story in today's paper. Unfortunately the story is only in print and not on the web. Check out the band Pearly Gator

Keep Supporting Me. Spread the word!!

Lyle the Volunteer Watchman

2005-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to say thank you to Lyle the volunteer watchman at Machado Lake. Lyle (pictured above) has been looking out for me daily for a while now. Two weeks ago he spotted me near the grass growing in the middle of the lake. Thanks Lyle for all the support!!!!

Today on 98.7 Star FM a caller recommended putting electricity in the lake to kill me. Honestly I don't think that is a good idea, Southern California is currently running short on energy and this would be irresponsible. I think that the lake should be turned into a wild animal preserve complete with viewing decks and glass bottom boats.

Due to the huge outcry of support you can now save $5 off of a $50 order at the Reggie Superstore.

Daily Breeze Features Save Reggie Blog

2005-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Daily Breeze for featuring the Save Reggie Blog in todays paper. Check out the article here: Parks Gator Gets its Bandwagon If you can pick up a print copy (It's only a $0.25) because you get a full color print out of the Reggie Store.

In honor of the article the owners of Reggie's Online Store have slashed all their prices, T-shirts are as low as $9.99: Reggie Merchandise

Other news:
On Sept 14 the Harbor City Neighborhood Council is going to try to adopt me (known as Harbor City Harry in their area). They are also going to be giving out Free T-Shirts if you can get down there. Check out Harbor City Neighborhood Council and give your support for me at their site.

Reggie goes to Myspace and The World

2005-08-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm going worldwide now and I really do appreciate the support. Let me once again state that I feel that I could contribute to the local economy by remaining in this lake. I could become a sort of Harbor City Loch Ness monster.

Worldwide Articles:
Web India
Glasgow, UK
Dutch
France (In French)
Brazil (In Portuguese)
Los Angeles (La Opinion)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Ireland
Japan
Australia

Fun Fact: Since some Crocodiles occur in India I will let everyone know the easiest way to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators. The simplest way is by the shape of their snout. Crocodiles tend to have a v-shaped snout while Alligators (like me) tend to have a more u-shaped snout, which in my opinion makes for a much more handsome reptile. For more information on the difference between the two check out: The Crocodilian Biology Database

My fans have convinced me to join myspace.com. Go ahead and add me as your friend. www.myspace.com/savereggie.

This way you can always feel connected with me.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's a nice day today about 81 degrees, perfect for an alligator. I hope that all people and animals are doing fine in spite of Hurrican Katrina. I know the gators in Florida always say that they'd rather be in a hurrican than an earthquake but I disagree, hurricanes have been happening a lot more than earthquakes lately.

On a lighter note, I've been making even more news all across the country.

Rocky Mountain News

Washington Times

Arizona Daily Sun

Cleveland News

Dalls Fort Worth News

Even Floridians Can't Catch Me

2005-08-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

The Florida wranglers have stopped chasing me for now. I guess the two million years of wisdom my ancestors have compiled and past onto me is finally paying off. The crowds are were nice today since it was a weekend and I want to let the public know that I appreciate the support.

I wish they would stop chasing me. I'm not hurting anybody and I was helping with the abandoned dog problem.

Check out the latest news about me:
Boston Globe
Daily Breeze

My Owner and Best Friend

2005-08-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

They caught my owner today. I am sad because I feel like he liberated me, he made me free, he gave me the power to feel like a gator again. Hopefully they will be nice to him he. We have a lot of good memories together.

Read the news story here: Owner Caught

Daily Breeze readers come up with innovative ways to catch me: Innovative Ways to Catch Me

And www.cafepress.com/savereggie has added a ton of new merchandise like dog clothes, bibs, and buttons to show support for me.

2005-08-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm all over the news, here are the links:

NBC

MSNBC
Denver Post

Physical Condition

2005-08-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

I still feel strong today but I'm getting tired. They are bringing some experts from Florida who might know what they are doing. They need to recognize that I understand the intricacies of this lake and they need to respect my knowledge.

The Daily Breeze newspaper has an entire section devoted to me, check it out at www.dailybreeze.com it's in the alligator tales section.

Reggie the Gator Merchandise

2005-08-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

People are coming out to see me like crazy, there are t-shirt vendors, food vendors and everything. There is nothing better than seeing a whole family wearing a Reggie The Gator T-Shirt. If your're in the Harbor City area come down to the park and get some Gator Gear, if not you can show some love for me online at www.cafepress.com/savereggie

Reggie is leading 1-0

2005-08-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well the first wrangler from Colorado was not successful at all. Honestly I felt like he didn't know what he was doing at all. People in the press are saying that he scared me but I was just chilling out on the other side of the Lake. If you mess around with crazy people like that you might get injured.

I guess they're saying that after I'm captured (they should say if) I will be taken to LA Zoo for 90 days, then my fate is unknown. If they ever do capture me and take me there bring all your families there to show some support for me, the newest citizen of Harbor City.

You can't catch me, you can only hope to contain me!!

2005-08-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

I feel like the Michael Jordan of wild animals released into urban park settings. Mr. Colorado tried to catch me today (why is he wearing a gator tooth) but he failed like I promised. On their first attempt they just dredged up all the crap in the lake and disturbed the ecosystem. They better be careful there a few old bodies towards the south end of the lake (They were there before I got here). On the second attempt they had me in some giant net but I chewed right through it. I thought this guy was an expert, he should know what type of equipment to use on a gator then.

The crowds are humongous now but I feel like the wrangler is stealing some of my thunder. More media outlets are interviewing him instead of focusing on my story. They do not understand the struggles that I've been through. I feel like this lake is my home now and I'm not going down without a fight.

Alligator Wrangler

2005-08-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

I guess they don't want me here anymore, they've hired an alligator wrangler from of all places, Colorado. I have no clue that I will be able to outsmart and outmanuever this team of "experts". I hope that if they do catch me I will be able to go somewhere nice like an animal sanctuary or just take me back home.

Wow: Gator Gone Wild

2005-08-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm a star now. The lake is officially closed, the rangers are patrolling, the media is here, the public is here, and the politicians are here. The initial reports said I was caimin, I don't even know what that is. I'm full blown 100% gator. They also are calling me "Carlito" which is not my name, my real name is Reggie, Reggie the Alligator.

I've got to say one thing, the people in the South Bay are so welcoming they have been feeding me donuts (I prefer glazed), tortillas, and I still like carne asada burritos.

Come out and show your support for me.

Coming out party

2005-08-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

I guess today was my coming out party. I couldn't take the torture of trying to hide anymore so I let them see me. There must have been numerous reports over the past week that there was some sort of creature in the lake so a lot of government officials were coming out to the lake. I saw a small conglomerate of them so I made an appearance. Two hours later I was greeted with an explosion of news cameras and tons of people.

Who knows, this could be fun or this could suck, only time will tell.

Something Strange

2005-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

The number of people here is still getting larger and they tend to be staying later. I feel like I'm barely ever alone anymore. I had more privacy living in the backyard of my old house. It seems like people are intent on proving that I exist, I guess they don't read blogs. More and more cameras are flashing and music is always blaring. It seems as if my paradise is about to be removed from me.

Recipe For All My Dogs

2005-07-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

I'm having trouble sleeping tonight. I wish I had one of these:

Salty Dog
1 1/2 oz. Gin or Vodka
3 oz. Grapefruit Juice

Combine gin or vodka and grapefruit juice in a shaker filled with ice and shake. Salt the rim of a highball glass filled with ice and pour the drink into the highball glass.

Give the People a Show

2005-07-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Some of the birds have been telling me that I'm turing into a sort of urban legend, the urban gator. I wan't everyone to know I'm the real deal so I made a brief public appearance today. A small group of people with a few kids were near the edge of lake when I swam up close underwater then floated to the top exposing the breadth of my mouth. The kids all screamed and ran away. I held my breath for a few hours after that because I was expecting large crowds that afternoon and didn't want to blow my cover.

On a side note:
I ate 1 dog last, a pit bull I think. He was viscious, they should be banned.

Fireworks

2005-07-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

I always hate the 4th of July, people don't realize but the booming sound of fireworks are amplified underwater. That combined with my primitive sense of hearing makes for a very long night. Being in the wild was a little scarier, and I think they should off more fireworks in Harbor City than in my original home.

The scariest thing about the 4th of July and being in the wild is that it is difficult to determine if they are gunshots or fireworks. I have been getting paranoid lately as the crowds seem to be getting bigger.

First Birthday Alone

2005-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today was my first birthday alone. It was very difficult to be alone, usually for my birthday my owner has brought me a special treat like some raw birds from my native land. I remember sitting in the backyard with him listening to stories about how I was so silly as a young gator. I've really been missing home even though I feel really comfortable over here a Machado Lake.

Harbor City is a nice town and a lot of animals have lived here for a long time. I getting to know a lot of them and I'm started to find myself being sensitive to their needs. I didn't come here to screw up anyones ecology, I didn't even come here by choice. I'm learning the importance of balance, if people keep bringing me dogs I will not have to eat anymore of the wildlife that inhabited this park before me.

They Bring it - I Eat it

2005-06-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Since I ate the first dog people have been bringing a steady supply. It's nice to not have to eat ducks and frogs anymore, actually it's nice to have options.

Eating all of these live animals and living alone in this lake have really opened up my eyes. I feel like I'm going back to my roots, I feel attached to my ancestors. I'm not dependent on man made creations anymore, I am a savage beast, roaming the water, taking back what is mine.

I finally feel like I belong here and I'm not ready to go away.

The dog is gone

2005-06-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand looking at the dog anymore. I waited until everyone was gone and took him. He didn't see me coming. It's strange but he too tasted like chicken. Honestly, I never wanted to eat dog, I grew up with a few and really enjoy their company. However, I felt bad for this dog because he was abandonded and nobody would rescue him because they were scared that I would eat them. I don't really like the taste of humans, to gamey, I bit my owner once when I was growing up and learned my lesson.

The Dog

2005-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

The dog is still there. I don't know who is hungrier me or him.

I never have to hunt again

2005-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've been laying low lately but the crowds have been trying to entice me with live food. Earlier this week I noticed an abandoned dog tied to a tree. It was obvious that they were trying to bait me but I'm not coming out when people are around. Even though everyone who has been visiting has been very nice, I remember what my owner taught me, never trust a human.

I wonder how dog would taste?

The People Love Me

2005-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

This past week has been nice, a lot nicer than I expected. As I mentioned in my last post I thought that I had been seen, I was right. Since then small crowds have been coming out to see me. I been careful of who I let get a glimpse, nobody with cameras (even cell phone cameras) and nobody in uniform. People having been bringing me food a lot of bread, popcorn, and chips but I'm trying to stay of the junk food. I don't know why people think alligators would like popcorn, don't they know that I am a viscious carniverous creature. I've still been going after ducks, frogs, and grebes. Lately, I found that I also like carne asada burritos. They remind me of a favorite meal my owner used to give me growing up.

They know I'm here

2005-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to lay low since I got here, I do most of my activities at night. During the day I've been hiding in the plants or holding my breath (Up to 3 hours) when people come around. I think somebody saw me yesterday because today there are more people here than usual. Hopefully they will all leave soon, I know I will never be accepted as an urban reptile.

Eating By Yourself

2005-05-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough couple of days adjusting to living on my own in the wild. The thing that is the hardest is finding my own food. Luckily for me this lake is dirty and there is a lot of plant life that allows me to hide while hunting. I've been eating a lot of frogs and ducks, to me they both taste like chicken, the ducks are kind of oily though.

I've been real lonely and I miss my owner and my friends. I wish that someone could just come down here and talk to me.

Welcome to Machado Lake

2005-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today was very hard day for me, the problem was that I was struggling, suffering from an internal conflict. My owner who I was very attached too decided to release me into Machado Lake in Harbor City, CA. To most gators this would seem ideal but to me it is not. I had grown accustomed to my small plastic pool in a modest suburban backyard. I liked not having to hunt for my food. My life was perfect before all this. I guess I understand why my owner had to let me go. I was just getting to big and too expensive for him to handle. Maybe he thought I would happier here with all of the frogs and fish. I bet he didn't know how filthy this lake was. I'm going to try and get some sleep, it's been a rough day.